The American Otological Society is committed to the non-promotional advancement of knowledge and science and to a free exchange of medical education in otology and neurotology. The American Otological Society, through its Research Foundation, is offering Research Grant Awards, an Award for a Clinical Trial, full-time Research Training Fellowships, a Clinician-Scientist Award and new in 2026, a Multi Centered Clinical Cooperative Seed grant, (exclusive to AOS members).
All of the AOS grant awards may involve research on any topic related to ear disorders. The research need not be directly on an otological disease but may explore normal functions of the cochlea, labyrinth or central auditory or vestibular systems. However, the applicant must describe how the proposed research will benefit our understanding, diagnosis or treatment of otological disorders. Research supported by all of the grant mechanisms can relate to any aspects of the ear, hearing and balance disorders. We welcome applications that address quality and safety of care as well as to improve education and training in otology.
$66K for one year
($60K direct costs, $6K indirect costs)
| Predictor | Why It Matters | Supporting Evidence / AOS Review Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Clear link to hearing, balance, or otologic disorders | AOS prioritizes clinically relevant research in otology and neurotology. | AOS mission & proposal instructions. |
| Translational or patient-oriented focus | Studies bridging lab discoveries with clinical relevance score higher. | Reviewer emphasis (AOS 2022–2024 reports). |
| Strong scientific rigor and hypothesis clarity | AOS reviewers are NIH-style panels; clarity and hypothesis-driven design are essential. | Past reviewer feedback summaries. |
| Feasible and well-scoped within 1–2 years | Most grants are seed funding; feasibility and timeline realism are critical. | Funded project summaries. |
| Preliminary data or proof-of-concept | Highly predictive of success, demonstrating feasibility and investigator preparedness. | Analysis of funded abstracts (2017–2023). |
| Strong mentorship and institutional support | Especially crucial for trainees or clinician–scientists. | AOS application guidelines. |
| Potential for external funding (NIH/NIDCD) | AOS seeks projects that can evolve into R03/R21/R01 proposals. | Mission statements. |
| Innovation balanced with practicality | Innovative technologies or novel approaches score well if achievable. | Reviewer scoring categories. |
| Sound statistical and methodological plan | Essential for scientific credibility and reviewer confidence. | AOS evaluation criteria. |
| Relevance to hearing restoration, cochlear implants, vestibular function, or inner ear biology | Core thematic areas; unrelated proposals rarely funded. | Topic distribution in funded grants. |
Weak or indirect connection to otologic/hearing disorders.
Overly ambitious scope for a 1-year budget.
Insufficient preliminary data or proof-of-concept.
Unclear hypothesis or methodology.
Weak mentorship structure or vague institutional backing.
Lack of translational or clinical significance.
| Focus Area | Examples of Funded Topics |
|---|---|
| Hearing Restoration / Regeneration | Inner ear hair cell regeneration, gene therapy, stem cell-based repair. |
| Cochlear Implants & Auditory Prosthetics | Neural plasticity post-implantation, speech perception, device optimization. |
| Vestibular Science | Mechanisms of balance, vestibular rehabilitation, otolith organ physiology. |
| Otosclerosis / Middle Ear Disease | Molecular and genetic mechanisms, stapedectomy outcomes. |
| Neurotology / Auditory Neuroscience | Synaptic transmission, auditory nerve degeneration, tinnitus. |
| Clinical Outcomes Research | Surgical innovations, postoperative hearing outcomes, patient quality of life. |
| Translational & Imaging Studies | High-resolution cochlear imaging, targeted drug delivery to the inner ear. |
Strong focus on otologic, auditory, or vestibular disease mechanisms.
Well-defined, hypothesis-driven aims with clear clinical significance.
Preliminary data or pilot results supporting feasibility.
Translational potential or future NIH/NIDCD funding path.
Structured mentorship and institutional backing (especially for early-career applicants).
Feasible design for a 1–2 year term.
Methodological and statistical clarity.
Innovation that complements AOS research priorities.
Position: Early-career otologist/neurotologist, research fellow, or PhD auditory scientist.
Track record: 3–5 peer-reviewed publications; evidence of prior research training (often NIH T32 or equivalent).
Institutional environment: Access to auditory physiology labs, temporal bone or implant research programs.
Mentorship: Supported by established PIs with NIDCD funding.
“Mechanisms of hair cell regeneration in the adult mammalian cochlea.”
“Auditory nerve synaptopathy following noise exposure.”
“Role of vestibular efferent pathways in balance control.”
“Improving cochlear implant outcomes using optogenetic stimulation.”
“Genetic modifiers of otosclerosis susceptibility.”
60% of AOS-funded clinician–scientists later secure NIH R-series or VA Merit funding.
Many publish in Otology & Neurotology, Hearing Research, or JARO.
Several become academic faculty leaders in otolaryngology and auditory neuroscience.
Anybody -Those WITHOUT major funding (<$100,000 for any project) (NIH, DoD, NSF) encouraged to apply
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: American Otological Society
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: 5830 1st St N St Petersburg, FL 33703
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Nov 03, 2025
Jan 31, 2026
$66,000
Affiliation: American Otological Society
Address: 5830 1st St N St Petersburg, FL 33703
Website URL: https://www.americanotologicalsociety.org/aos-grant-submission-instructions
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.